Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe has admitted he was unsure if he was ready to take charge of the club when his father, Patrice Motsepe, entrusted him with the responsibility in 2021.
Motsepe was 32 at the time and had always known that one day he would succeed his father at Sundowns. However, taking over one of Africa’s biggest clubs was still a daunting responsibility.
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Speaking on Mamelodi Sundowns TV following the club’s FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup™ triumph over Al Ahli Jeddah, Motsepe reflected on his journey as chairman.
“I’m so grateful that he entrusted me with the running of this organisation when he did, in 2021. I was 32 at the time, but at the time, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this,” he said.
“At the same time, I didn’t doubt myself. I just didn’t know if I was ready.”
Motsepe said he understood why his father wanted him to eventually take over, given their shared passion for football.
“I knew that someday, he would step aside and would want me to take over because he understood the love I have for football. It’s a love he had, why he got to Sundowns. It’s a love we share.”
‘He’s My First Hero’
The victory over Al Ahli provided a particularly special moment for Motsepe, who was able to celebrate the achievement alongside his father.
He recalled looking towards Patrice during the match and seeing his happiness as Sundowns pushed for another historic victory.
“The President is the CAF President, he is the President of all the clubs now, but he was always passionate about seeing the stadium full. He was always so passionate seeing the supporters sing,” Motsepe said.
“At that moment when Khulumani almost scored, I peeked over and looked at him. I knew at this moment, he is happy, he is truly happy.”
For Motsepe, embracing his father after the triumph carried deep personal meaning.
“As a son, I’m proud of everything he has done in football. He’s my first hero. So being able to hug him was a chance to say thank you, we have done it together.”
Motsepe Credits Sundowns Family
Despite being the chairman, Motsepe was quick to share the credit for Sundowns’ success with those who helped him during his transition into leadership.
He highlighted the contributions of club executives and board members, including the late Alex Shakoane, Trott Moloto, Dr Rejoice Simelane, Freddy Greaver, Andre Wilkins and advocate Mathube.
“These are the people he grew the club with and when I stepped in, they already knew the standard we had to uphold, but they believed in me, they helped me,” he said.
Motsepe also acknowledged the coaches and technical staff who have worked at Sundowns during his tenure, including Steve Komphela, Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and Miguel Cardoso.
“I couldn’t have done any of that, experienced that moment, without the people who helped me get there,” he added.
‘It’s Their Trophy As Much As Mine’
Motsepe believes the Al Ahli victory belongs to the entire Sundowns family rather than any individual.
“As grateful as I am to my father, and I always will be grateful to him, we will do more to make him proud and happy,” he said.
“But I owe a sense of gratitude around me. It’s as much their trophy as it is mine, and the supporters and everyone else in the club.”
For Motsepe, the triumph offered a chance to reflect on how far he has come since taking over as chairman at just 32 — and the people who helped him grow into the role he once questioned whether he was ready for.